FC: Alert from civil liberties groups -- Call Congress, stop HR3028

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

*******

Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 09:12:49 -0400
To: Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>
From: Marc Rotenberg <rotenberg () epic org>
Subject: Call Congress - Stop H.R. 3028
:
:

Declan,

Please get this out to the Politech list as soon as
possible. If this bill goes through, it will be bad
news for the net.

Thanks, Marc [tm]




===================================================================
This post concerns a matter of great importance to Internet Users.
Please circulate widely until November 15, 1999. Attach your own
note in support. Please do not spam. Your help is appreciated!
===================================================================

  STOP H.R. 3028 - Protect the Net - Stop the Trademark Monopolists

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                             ACTION ALERT

   - Protect the rights of Internet domain names holders!
 
   - Stop the trademark monopolists from going after
     innocent Internet users, noncommercial organizations
     and small businesses!


URGENT
^^^^^^

        The House of Representatives is about to vote on legislation
        that would grant sweeping new powers for trademark holders and
        undermine the rights of domain name holders, Internet users,
        and small businesses.  H.R. 3028 "The Trademark Cyberpiracy
        Prevention Act of 1999" will also establish unprecedented
        ability for trademark holders to sue Internet users all around
        the world. And H.R. 32028 will undermine a fair and carefully
          crafted international consensus on the resolution of Internet
          name disputes. It's a bad bill and it should be stopped.

        The House of Representatives may vote on H.R. 3028 as early as
        Tuesday, October 26, 1999.


YOU NEED TO ACT
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

        There is a chance to stop HR 3028. It has very few sponsors
        and has moved quietly through Congress, mostly under the radar
        of organizations and businesses that have worked to promote
        the growth of the Internet.  Also, Congress will soon break
        for Thanksgiving.

        But you have to act!


WHAT YOU CAN DO
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

        It is vitally important for you to contact your Representative
        in Congress and explain politely but firmly that you hope that
        your Representative will VOTE AGAINST H.R. 3028

      Here is a quick guide to Calling Your Congressman
 
      1. Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard (202-224-3121) and
         ask to speak to your Congressman. (Don't know who your
         Congressman is? Ok, go to http://www.house.gov/writerep/)
 
      2. When you reach the office say to the person who answers
         the phone:
 
        "Hello, I'm a registered voter in the district of Congressman
        <name>. I'm calling because I hope he/she will vote against
        H.R. 3028, 'The Cyberpiracy Act.' I don't like cyberpirates,
          but I believe this bill will hurt ALL domain name holders on
          the Internet, including small businesses, noncommercial
          organizations and individuals. Will you please tell the
          Congressman that I asked him/her to vote against H.R. 3028?
          Thanks."

        Here are all the things you just did in 30 seconds:
        - You made clear that you're a voter in the Congressman's
          District (they'll listen to you!)
        - You said clearly that you are against a bill and you gave
          the bill number and the title of the bill (it's important to
          give both!)
        - You gave the Congressman a good reason to vote against
          H.R. 3028 (Members of Congress like good reasons for votes)
        - You asked for a commitment to convey your position to the
          Congressman (you want to be taken seriously)
        - You were polite (always a plus)
        - If you leave your name and address, that will make your call
          even more effective (you might even get a letter)
 
     3. If you like, you can also send an email to your Representative
        with a new service offered at the House web site -- check
        out http://www.house.gov/writerep/
 
     4. If you're still energized to do something, ask a friend or
        neighbor who also lives in your district to make the same
        call. You can also call the office of the Chairman of the
        Rules Committee Congressman David Dreier and tell his
        staffperson that you oppose H.R. 3028 and hope that Mr.
        Dreier will put off a vote on the bill until the problems
        are fixed.
 
     5. If you want to learn more about the problems with H.R. 3028,
        look at the excellent letter from computer users and legal
        experts. Also, visit Thomas and check out the bill and the
        history.
 
RELEVANT INFORMATION
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
    Information about H.R. 3028, including the Text of the bill
    http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d106:h.r.03028:

    Information about the ICANN Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy
    http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm

    Letter from ACM, Legal Experts on Problems with H.R. 3028
    http://www.acm.org/usacm/trademark.html
 
===================================================================
   STOP H.R. 3028 - Protect the Net - Stop the Trademark Monopolists
===================================================================


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